I would like to put a solar panel on my shed to provide lighting and charge cordless tools. What would I need?
Check out eBay. There is a kit which contains 3 15 watt solar panels,a charge controller, and a couple of 12 volt cf lights. Inverter and batteries are not included. You can find an inverter and a marine or RV deep cycle battery at Wal Mart. A company called Harbor Freight also sells the same kit for $179.00 to $249.00,depending on when they are running specials. 45 watts is plenty of power as it is cumulative. The battery stores the power when the sun is shining and it is not all being used. Single 15 watt panels are sometimes on eBay for about $ 79.00 but do not come with any accessories.
So all in all you need :
Solar panel(s)
Charge controller ( you can do without this if your go with a small panel and have some current draw on at all times.)The charge controller is to keep from overcharging the batteries.
Inverter
Battery (s)
How many watts you need depends on the loads plugged in and how many hours they are being used. Add up the wattages of all the devices plugged in and multiply by the hours used. Remember that chargers draw less than full current once they are fully charged.
The number of watts you produce depends on the size of the panel and # of hours of sun available. EX ,If you have a 45 watt panel, and 5 hrs of sun ,it will make 225 watts of electricity. You may use 225 watts for 1 hour, 112.5 watts for 2 hrs, 56.25 watts for 4 hrs 23.125 watts for 8 hrs ,etc.
I run a laptop, 2 large Cf bulbs, dremel, soldering gun, radio, and charge a drill and weed eater, with 45 watts panel,100 amp hour deep cycle battery, and 1000 watt inverter.
I always unplug tool chargers when they reach a full charge.
You probably don,t need a 1000 watt inverter, but I have one so I can run a small vacuum as well, occasionally.
Cordless Tool Batteries
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Proctor Silex K2070Y 1 Liter Electric Kettle $11.39 Housed in a smooth, modern-looking design, this 1000-watt electric kettle rapidly boils up to 1 quart of water for coffee, tea, instant soups, and more. The unit features a detachable cord and a nonspill spout for graceful serving, plus a generous handle with a secure grip. Its immersed heating element provides a rapid and quiet heating process, making it ideal for the office, home, or college dor… |
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Cuisinart CSB-77 Smart Stick Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopper Attachments $45.00 Grab this amazingly versatile kitchen tool and the power to mix, whisk and chop will be in the palm of your hand. Housed in handsome brushed stainless steel, this compact hand blender features a powerful 200-watt motor and three separate attachments that quickly and easily create smooth soups, whipped creams, purees and much more. Simple one-handed operation with push-button control and an ergonom… |
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Mr. Coffee MWBLK Mug Warmer $5.31 Trust Mr. Coffee to create this unique product. It’s like a special dock for your mug. Place you mug on this electric base and it’ll keep any beverage warm. From coffees, teas, chocolates, and toddies, use this mug warmer to help keep beverages warm – as you like it. It’s perfect for any fan of warm beverages. This Mug Warmer also makes a great gift to an appreciative friend or colleague…. |
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18 Volt Cordless 3/8 Drill/Driver and Flashlight Kit $35.00 High performance in an affordable drill driver. Wide range of torque settings for all types of jobs. Swivel head flashlight runs 12 hours on a single charge Variable speed, reversible Electric brake 21 torque clutch settings 3/8″ keyless chuck Drill has built-in LED light for clear view in dark corners 0-900 RPM Battery is interchangeable with other 18 Volt Drill Master tools Swivel head flashligh… |
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Drill Master 18 Volt Cordless 4 Tool Combo Pack Get four cordless tools for one low price! All powered by a powerful 18 volt battery. Includes 3/8” variable speed reversible drill, oscillating triangle sander, 8 watt flashlight, jigsaw, one 18 volt long run battery, and charger. Includes one of the four batteries shown. Drill: 3/8” keyless chuck, 0-900 RPM, 8 torque settings Sander: Triangular pad, oscillating, 6000 OPM, rocker switch Flashli… |
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18 Volt Cordless Cutout Tool $59.99 Superior to jigsaws for making plunge cuts in walls, floors and ceilings. No need to drill pilot holes Cuts sideways and down Has an adjustable diameter gauge Max. cutting depth: 1-1/2″ Rechargeable battery and charger sold separately. Includes: 1/4″ collet, 1/8″ collet, collet wrench and 1 general purpose bit 21,000 RPM Shipping Weight: 3.05 lbs…. |
